Several flights were suspended in Chandigarh due to low visibillity

Several flight operations were suspended following the dust storm in Chandigarh causing the low visibility news agency ANI reported on Thursday.

ANI further reported that Air India flight bound for Chandigarh flying from Mumbai was left stranded at Delhi airport due to the sandstorm.

The meteorological department, however, has said that that the situation would improve only by Friday afternoon.

"No flight landed or took off from Chandigarh (airport) until today afternoon due to bad weather," a Chandigarh International Airport Limited official was quoted as saying by PTI.

The weather department here said that a ground-level dust storm in Rajasthan, with the wind, speeds up to 40 kmph, had led to a spike in the levels of coarse particles in the air in most parts of Haryana and Punjab, including Chandigarh, since yesterday.

Director of Chandigarh's MeT Department Surinder Paul told PTI that a western disturbance approaching the region was likely to clear the air.

"A western disturbance is approaching the region and the dusty weather should dissipate by tomorrow afternoon," Paul said.

The northern part of India including Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab is witnessing dust storms from past two days.

On Wednesday, the mercury hit 46.2 degrees Celsius in Punjab. Heatwave also prevailed in most part of the state.

The Patiala recorded the hottest day with 46.2 temperature while in Ludhiana the temperature was recorded at 43.1.

According to reports, thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected in an upcoming week.

(With inputs from PTI)

Flight operations suspended at Chandigarh Airport due to poor visibility following dust storm.